The Goddess Speaks
The Goddess Speaks
Health of keiki
takes priorityHMSA's "Leader for a Day" essay contest invited students ages 5 to 12 to state what they would do to improve the health of the people of Hawaii, if they were in leadership. Daisy Ramil's first-prize essay, chosen from among 4,000 entries, won her the right to shadow the governor for a day.
Other winners will also shadow local leaders: Jenna Leong (lieutenant governor), Sacred Hearts Academy, grade 10; Erica Noelani Weber (schools superintendent), Mililani Middle School, grade 8; Karen Herndon (Honolulu mayor), Sacred Hearts Academy, grade 6; Rhea Vance-Cheng (Kauai mayor), Kauai Arts and Science Academy, grade 6; Desiree Borges (Maui mayor), St. Anthony Grade School, grade 6; William Sims (Hawaii mayor), Kealakehe Intermediate School, grade 6.
Since I have been living here all my life, I know what's going on, and I see all the great things that happen on the island. However, I've also realized that there are a lot of problems here that need to be fixed and a lot of changes that need to be made in order to improve the health of Hawaii's people. My plan as future governor would be to ensure that every child in Hawaii has medical insurance and to see that more free clinics/shelters are established.
An important issue here in Hawaii is keeping our keiki safe and healthy. In order to do that, my first plan is to require that every child living in Hawaii, to age 16, has some type of medical insurance and care. I know that a lot of children here don't have medical insurance because their parents can't afford that type of care.
I realize that my idea will cost a lot of money, so I will try to get more money put into health programs instead of unnecessary buildings and construction work. It's my main priority that every child be taken care of, no matter the circumstances.
Another idea to improve the health of Hawaii is to make sure that everyone has a place to stay and people to turn to in case of emergencies. I feel that if we establish more free clinics and shelters in every city and community, we will be able to help more people in need, whether it is to serve the homeless or victims of domestic abuse or violence, which often effects women and children.
In these clinics and shelters, people will find a comfortable place to stay, filled with the friendly environment of support groups, with medical help and counseling.
Starting and running these organizations will cost money, so I'll ask local businesses to help support and sponsor these programs. Knowing that these local businesses are helping to improve the health in Hawaii, people will be willing to support them in turn by buying local products, thus boosting Hawaii's economy.
Also, to make sure that those turning to clinics and shelters for help pay back the community, they will be asked to participate in community service activities to help improve Hawaii's environment. Therefore, everyone will be working as a team to make a difference.
As future governor, my main focus would be on children's welfare, but would also involve local businesses in order to help the environment and support the economy. As long as everyone in the islands works together to provide love and aloha for the children, Hawaii will be a much more pleasant place.
Daisy Ramil is a junior at Waipahu High School. "The Goddess Speaks" is a Tuesday feature by and about women. If you have something to say, write "The Goddess Speaks," 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, Honolulu 96813; or e-mail features@starbulletin.com
The Goddess Speaks is a column by and about
women, our strengths, weaknesses, quirks and
quandaries. If you have something to say, write it
and send it to "The Goddess Speaks," 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, Honolulu 96813; or e-mail features@starbulletin.com.